The 2026 European Solheim Cup Team has four rookies excited to make their debut at Bernardus in The Netherlands this week.
English duo Lottie Woad and Mimi Rhodes will be making their first appearances in the prestigious competition, as will Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez and France’s Nastasia Nadaud.
England’s Woad qualified automatically to the team thanks to her rapid rise in the professional ranks over the last year; meanwhile Lopez Ramirez, Nadaud and Rhodes were all picked by captain Anna Nordqvist.
Nadaud, who won her first Ladies European Tour (LET) title in 2025, has been enjoying her week in this environment so far.
“It’s been amazing,” said the Frenchwoman, who is Team Europe’s youngest player. “I’ve been very warmly welcomed by everyone on the team. I was getting along with the rookies pretty well before that, and the veterans were really nice to us as well.
“I’m really enjoying my time here. The atmosphere is amazing. We’ve got the Spaniards that are bringing the energy. It’s been really amazing and I’m very much looking forward to it.”
World number seven Woad has accomplished a lot in the 14 months since she turned professional with being a member of the European Solheim Cup Team another step in her career.
Even though, the 22-year-old is still relatively new to the professional game, she is taking everything in her stride this week.
“Everyone has been great. The team environment has been amazing, and we’ve been getting on great. I knew everyone coming into this before, but I’ve been getting some tips off them and loving it so far,” said Woad.
“I’ve just been asking general questions. Golf course-wise we’ve got our caddies, we’ve got our coaches, so you know what you’re doing with that. For a regular event, you go when you want to go. This week we’re all traveling together and you all practice at a set time, so it’s getting used to that. I’ve been told it’s a long week by everyone, so not to overdo it. It’s been very enjoyable. I think it’s nice that we have four rookies including myself, so you’re not on your own in that sense.”
Spain’s Lopez Ramirez, who is known for being one of the longest hitters on the LPGA Tour and is a rookie on the LET in 2026, is full of energy and bringing that to the team room.
“I’m definitely bringing the energy,” said Lopez Ramirez. “I think it’s more of bringing that energy out of me, trying to get everyone [the] good vibes and good mood to it. I feel like that’s my role for the week. It’s a good team. We all bond with each other, so I think it’s going to be really fun to bring the energy and the golf as well.”
England’s Rhodes, who is a three-time winner on the LET, was part of the European PING Junior Solheim Cup in 2019 at Gleneagles and the Curtis Cup team in 2024.
However, the 2025 LET Rookie of the Year admits this week is unlike any other she’s been involved in.
Rhodes added: “It’s nothing like I ever imagined. It’s like the Curtis Cup on steroids. It’s incredible the amount of support that we have, obviously, on home soil and the amount of help I’m getting from everyone on the team and just feeling like I’m at home within the team and I’m able to be myself.
“I’ve just been enjoying the week, playing with everyone and just vibing together in the team room, especially playing ping pong. It doesn’t feel like anything too serious right now, but obviously, we’re gearing up and it will feel a little more intense on the first tee. I don’t think I can prepare myself for the first. I’ve heard a few things about the first, but I don’t think anyone can prepare you for that feeling. I’m just going to take it all in.”
Keep up to date with all the action during the 2026 Solheim Cup from September 11-13 at Bernardus Golf on our socials – @SolheimCupEuro and @TheSolheimCup.
